By Sean Yoes
AFRO Baltimore Editor
syoes@afro.com
The demolition of the house where the legendary Cab Calloway once lived has been delayed for now.
“We were in the final stages of preparing for demolition work to begin in Druid Heights,” said Tammy Hawley, chief of strategic communications for the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development in an email.
The childhood home of Baltimore native Cab Calloway, one of the most influential entertainers of the mid 20th century was scheduled to be demolished on March 30. That demolition has been delayed indefinitely after an appeal by Calloway’s grandson Christopher Brooks. (Photo/Facebook)
“We posted the notice for demo, which is a 5-10 day notice. Since that time, an appeal was filed to stop the demolition at 2216 (Druid Hill Ave.). At that point, we absolutely would not proceed with demolition of 2216, as a legal process must now be followed.”
That demolition could have happened on March 30. But, in an email sent to the AFRO on April 1, Hawley explained an appeal has triggered a hearing process, which has not been scheduled.
The appeal was made by Peter Brooks, Calloway’s grandson, who argues the legacy of his grandfather, a giant of 20th century entertainment, is not being honored.
Others, including the Druid Heights Community Development Corporation say the razing of Calloway’s childhood home is part of the wider development of the Druid Heights neighborhood. The group allegedly wants to clear the block to make way for a new park to be named Cab Calloway Legends Park, in honor of the iconic bandleader, dancer and musician.
